These easy and flavorful beef fajitas are perfect for family meals. They combine tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all cooked to tasty perfection!
It’s like a party on a plate! 🎉 I love serving them with warm tortillas so everyone can make their own. Quick dinners like this mean more time for fun with family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Skirt steak or flank steak are ideal for fajitas as they’re tender and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, try chicken breast or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Bell Peppers: The colorful mix really makes the dish pop! If you can’t find orange peppers, you can use green or even add jalapeños for a spicy kick. Feel free to use any color you prefer!
Olive Oil: You only need a little, but it’s essential for sautéing this dish. If you want a different flavor, try avocado oil or even canola oil. Both work great and have high smoke points.
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika provide rich flavor. If you’re out of any, taco seasoning can also work. It’s a great time-saver if you have it on hand!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Beef Fajitas?
The secret to great fajitas is in how you cook the beef. Make sure to marinate the beef to add flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to cook it right:
- Heat the skillet on medium-high before adding the beef. This helps it sear nicely.
- Add the beef in a single layer, allowing space between pieces. If needed, cook in batches to prevent steaming.
- Let it sear without moving for 2-3 minutes before stirring. This gives it a nice brown crust.
- Cook until just browned and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes total.
Once you combine everything, the flavors will meld beautifully. Enjoy your delicious fajitas!
Easy and Flavorful Beef Fajitas for Family Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 ½ pounds beef skirt steak or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe for beef fajitas requires about 15 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll spend around 20-30 minutes cooking everything. Overall, expect to dedicate about 45 minutes to have this enjoyable meal ready for your family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade/Spice Mix:
Start by gathering all your spices in a small bowl. Combine the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add wonderful flavor to your beef and vegetables.
2. Season the Steak:
Take your sliced beef and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the minced garlic and half of your spice mix. Toss everything together to make sure the beef is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Using the same large skillet, heat your remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced red, yellow, and orange bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Cook while stirring frequently for about 6-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Once they are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the marinated beef strips in a single layer. Allow them to sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes. After that, stir occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total. Try not to overcrowd the pan; if needed, you can cook the beef in batches.
5. Combine Everything:
Give the skillet a little stir, then return the cooked peppers and onions back into the skillet with the beef. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix over everything, and stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to warm through for about 1-2 minutes.
6. Finish with Lime:
Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice all over the fajita mixture to add a zesty punch. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
7. Serve:
Serve your vibrant beef fajitas immediately with warm tortillas. You can add all your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese. Let everyone build their own fajitas for a fun family meal!
Enjoy your delicious and colorful beef fajitas! They are sure to be a hit with everyone! 🎉
FAQ for Easy and Flavorful Beef Fajitas
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While skirt steak or flank steak are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use sirloin or ribeye for a different flavor. Just be sure to slice the beef against the grain for tenderness!
What If I Don’t Have All The Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing some spices, you can use a store-bought fajita seasoning mix instead. Just follow the ratio as per your taste preference, typically about 2-3 tablespoons should work well for this recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef marinade and slice the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. This will save you time on meal day; just cook them together when you’re ready!
